Because I LOVE making lists, I jumped at the chance to create a summer bucket list. Unlike my usual new years resolution lists, this should all be completely attainable – and low-cost – after all, I’m a gal on a tight budget.

Here are 50 things I hope to do for myself and with my family this summer:

1. Make bubbles and show Little K the magic
2. Feel sand between my toes…with an adult beverage in my hands
3. Build a sand castle for Little K and let her feel the sand in her hands
4. Watch a sunrise
5. Watch a sunset
6. Learn more about photography…and take TONS of photos
7. Read a new book (The Help is next on my list – didn’t get The Help yet, but read books!)
8. Taste some new Michigan-made wine and beer
9. Learn to make more exciting baby purees
10. Go to the Detroit Zoo as much as possible to maximize our membership
11. Feed the neighborhood ducks
12. Go to a local water park with Little K
13. Encourage Little K to crawl (she’s 8 months and still not very interested)
14. Learn some new summer recipes
15. Walk the gardens at Meadowbrook, a local gem
16. Pick blueberries to freeze
17. Eat ice cream for dinner
18. Plant some flowers (Yes, I still haven’t…)
19. Post on this blog 5 days a week (eek!)
20. Take a long walk each day…without my cell phone
21. Remember to kiss my husband and say “I love you” at least once a day
22. Gaze at the stars
23. Volunteer at a local event
24. Watch fireworks
25. Make a new summer song playlist
26. Enjoy a bonfire
27. Attend another Tiger’s baseball game
28. Ride a jetski
29. Take Little K on her first pontoon ride
30. Swim in multiple lakes
31. Go on a picnic
32. Do something to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary…finally (plans set!)
33. Go on a hike through the woods
34. Capture photos of a rainbow
35. Tube down a river with girlfriends
36. Read books to Little K on our outdoor swing
37. Go to a new local farmer’s market
38. Check out an event at a local library
39. Visit Eleanor and Edsel Ford House to tour the grounds
40. Hear live music outdoors
41. Check out neighborhood garage sales for hidden treasures
42. Attempt to speak with my neighbors more
43. Get a free slurpee from 711 on 7/11 (FAILED!!! But got a slurpee on another day!)
44. Make my favorite summer treat – fruit pizza
45. Try a new, fun local place to eat (Hippo’s Hot Dogs to be specific)
46. Go to the movies…since I haven’t been in 8+ months
47. Take some bike rides with Little K in her trailer
48. Walk the Dequindre Cut in Detroit
49. Eat every meal outside at least for one day
50. Wake-up everyday with a smile…because the sun is shining and we are blessed.

I’d love to make this list 100 things to do! Feel free to drop me a comment with any ideas of fun, low-budget things to do with a baby who is >1 year old.

My little doll is always ready for adventure. After I took this, she had a meltdown...she likes to be on-the-go, not stuck in the house!